Central Park's latest enhancement project focuses on the construction of retention ponds, also known as lagunas, which will play a critical role in the park's landscape and infrastructure. The base of these lagunas will be finished with local piedra guanacaste, or Guanacaste rock, chosen for its practicality and aesthetic appeal.
During the construction phase, a significant amount of sediment is expected to enter the ponds. If we were to plant extensive landscaping in the lagunas from the start, these plants would likely struggle to survive due to the sediment influx. Piedra guanacaste offers a solution: it provides a durable and easy-to-maintain base that allows plants to grow naturally over time, creating a picturesque and resilient landscape.
The top edge of the lagunas will be planted, and the base will feature a mix of rock sizes to create a natural, rocky landscape. Currently, mock-ups and experiments are underway to find the optimal arrangement that meets our design intentions. This process requires on-site adjustments and cannot be fully captured in drawings, ensuring the final result blends seamlessly with the park's environment.
These dry retention ponds are designed to adapt to the seasons. In the dry season, they provide additional playable space, while in the wet season, they may hold some water but are not intended to be permanent ponds. This flexibility enhances the park's usability, making it a dynamic and multifunctional space.
The retention ponds are crucial for the Prado infrastructure, designed to manage high levels of stormwater runoff, especially when all surrounding developments are complete. This system helps protect our beaches from erosion and flooding, while seamlessly integrating into Central Park as a multi-use landscape element.
By incorporating these ponds, we will improve stormwater management and also add an explorable and aesthetically pleasing feature to Central Park. This project exemplifies our commitment to creating versatile, sustainable, and enjoyable public spaces.
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